DIY Tarp Shed

Although fancy, retail varieties of sheds are widely available, there are low-cost alternatives.

A tarp shelter provides safe and low-cost housing for a horse or other animals.

One such alternative involves the use of a tarp to create a modified shed. This shed may not look fancy, but it provides adequate coverage from wind, rain, light snow and sun. For keeping tools, garden supplies, hay or even animals dry, a tarp shed provides the necessary protection. A bonus is that this project only requires minimal supplies and only a few hours to construct.

Step 1

Select a level location with excellent drainage to install the tarp shed. Draw two lines on the ground with spray paint. the lines should be 9 feet long, and parallel to each other with 4 feet between them.

Step 2

Use a post hole digger to dig a hole that is 2 1/2-feet deep at both ends of one line. Dig two more holes on the line 3 feet from each hole. Repeat on the other line. You should have a total of eight post-holes, four on each side.

Step 3

Shovel a 1/2-inch layer of gravel into the bottom of each hole using a shovel. This will help with drainage. Place a post upright in each hole. Pack dirt around the post tightly to hold it in place. Using the back of your shovel, firmly tamp it down.

Step 4

Carefully bend a wire grid panel and place each end inside the first two posts on each line. The panel should form an archway across both rows of posts. Use fencing staples to staple the ends of the panel to the tops of the first two posts on each row. Repeat to install the remaining two wire panels on the back and middle of the rows of posts.

Step 5

Place one sheet of plywood across the insides of all of the posts on one side. Screw the plywood to the posts with 2-inch wood screws. This forms a wall on the inside of the shed. Repeat on the other side.

Step 6

Place the heavy duty tarp over the wire panels. Adjust it to overhang evenly on all sides. Attach the tarp to the wire panels by attaching a cable tie to each grommet then attaching the cable tie to the wire panel.

Things You Will Need

Measuring tape

Spray paint

Post-hole digger

Shovel

Gravel

8 pressure treated posts, 6-inches in diameter and 6-feet long

Wire panels, 4-by-16-feet, 4 gauge

Fencing staples

Hammer

2 sheets of 3/4-inch thick plywood, 4-by-9-feet

2-inch wood screws

Power drill

12-by-16-foot heavy-duty tarp

Cable ties

Tip

Ask an assistant to help you bend the wire panels.

Resources

About the Author

Susan Patterson is a health and gardening advocate. She is a Master Gardener, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and a Certified Health Coach with vast experience working with organic gardening and nutrition. Her passions include sustainable living, organic foods and functional fitness. Patterson has been writing and presenting on health and gardening topics for 10 years.